By Wil Comstock
MCAU Contributing Writer
NASHVILLE -- The 20th annual Americana Honors & Awards Show took place at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday (Sept. 22). The top award, Artist of the Year, went to Brandi Carlile.
Accepting the award she said, “To be artist of the year after a year like we have all had as a community, there’s a weight to it, I know it’s profound. I don't take it for granted because it was hard to be an artist this year -- a year full of love and loss and debilitating empathy. People died, and people were born, and we were just trying to love each other."
Carlile also won this award in 2019. She performed the poignant “Right On Time” from her upcoming album, "In These Silent Days."
Tributes in song were given to those that left us in the last year. The house band with Aaron Lee Tasjan on lead vocals rendered “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin'” in memory of Rolling Stone’s drummer Charlie Watts. Aoife O’Donovan and Joe Henry performed “Gulf Coast Highway” in honor of Nanci Griffith. Buddy Miller gave a fitting tribute to Tom T. Hall with “How I got to Memphis.” The show closed with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell performing “Let it Be Me” and “Bye Bye Love,” remembering Don Everly.
Song of the Year was awarded to John Prine for “I’ve Seen Everything.” It was accepted by his wife Fiona and their three sons. Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile, and Margo Price gave a stunning rendition of this, the last original song Prine recorded.
Charlie Crockett won for Emerging Artist, humbly commenting that he’s made 10 albums, but he’s only now being recognized. His performance of the rootsy “Are We Lonesome Yet” is sure to win over new fans.
The Legacy of Americana Award, presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music, went to the Fisk Jubilee Singers. They were joined by the soulful Leon Timbo singing the hand-clapping, foot-stomping gospel number “I Believe."
One of the cultural roots influences was the Mavericks giving a stunning Spanish performance of “La Sitiera,” backed by a string quartet, horns and accordion.
One of the evening’s highlights was the lovely Valerie June singing “Call Me a Fool” backed by Stax legendary artist Carla Thomas. Thomas picked up the Americana Inspiration Award and sang one of her early hits, “Baby." Carla has worked tirelessly with Artists In The Schools, a youth-focused non-profit along with being an inspiration to many.
Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, summed up the evening best saying, “Given today’s uncertain times, there is no greater assurance that the power of music brings people together to uplift their spirits when they need it the most. I’m beyond proud of our artists and community for reminding me again why this is my favorite night of the year, every year.”
Follow Music City Arts on Instagram and Facebook @MusicCityArts.
No comments:
Post a Comment